Skim coat makes a wall smooth, but it is more than just that. Here, we explain what skim coat is, types of skim coat plaster, skim coat price in philippines, and more.
Skim coating is a texturing technique that drywallers use to make a wall smooth. Besides making a wall smooth, the technique can also give the wall a plaster-like appearance and hide cracks and other imperfections.
Below, we explain what skim coat is, types, skim coat price, and more.
Contents
What is Skim Coat?
It is a thin layer of paint applied on a surface before it gets painted. The Skim coat provides a clean and smooth surface for painting. It is also applied to hide imperfections.
3 Type of Skim Coat Plaster
- All Purpose Type
All purpose skim coat plaster is usually the first or base coat applied on a damaged wall. The plaster is spread to cover any fissures or cracks on the wall. After that, a different type of skim coat is applied.
- Quick Set Type
Similar to the all purpose type, the quick set skim coat paint is used as the first coat. As the name suggests, the quick set type dries quickly. It takes between 5 and 210 minutes for it to dry.
- Topping Type
Compared to all purpose and quick set types, the topping type shrinks less when dried. Also, when hardened, the topping type plaster creates a surface that can be sanded easily.
These make it an excellent choice for the second coat.
Skim Coat Price List
Skim coat price varies from one brand to another. Here is a skim coat price Philippines list.
Description | Unit | Price (in ₱) |
ABC Skim Coat | 1 kilogram | 40.00 |
K201 Konstrukt Skim Coat | 4 liters/1 galloon | 480.00 |
Lanko 101 Skim Coat | 25 kilograms | 1,450.00 |
Hakito Skim Coat | 1 kilogram | 122.50 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Skim Coat
The advantages of skim coat are
- Cost
Skim coating is cost-effective. It is much less expensive than removing existing textures.
- Better surface
When done properly, skim coating results in a better, smoother surface.
- Appearance
Skim coating creates an appealing look.
- Repair
Skim coating can be used to conceal gaps between bricks, level uneven edges, and fill in holes.
As good as it is skim coating does have disadvantages, too. The disadvantages include
- Not beginner-friendly
Skim coating requires expertise. To get the best results, you need to do it properly. The problem is, it is not something easy for beginners alike. You need to be careful to avoid damaging the surface, too. This is especially true when you skim coat for wood.
- It takes time
The application of skim coat plaster is a quick and straightforward process. However, you cannot apply the plaster as it is. Some preparations need to be done. Again, it requires expertise and time.
- Make the imperfections on the surface more visible
A downside of skim coating is that it can make the imperfections on the surface more visible. This may happen when the process is not done properly.
How to Apply Skim Coat
- Paint Roller
Using a paint roller is probably the most common way to apply a skim coat. The joint compound goes on quickly. It cleans up easily, too. Using a paint roller, spreading skim coat cement is easy.
- Drywall Knife
Using a drywall knife can keep the cost down if you don’t have a paint roller. The downside of using a drywall knife is that it makes the skim coat application slow and laborious.
- Texture Sprayer
Of the three, using a texture sprayer is the fast and most effortless way to skim coat wall. The problem is, you can’t just use an ordinary paint sprayer to do the job. You will need a texture sprayer.
Skim coating does more than just make a wall smooth. It also gives a plaster-like appearance and hides imperfections on the surface.
There are three types of plaster used for skim coating: all purpose, quick set, and topping. As for skim coat price, it varies from brand to brand.